Most places in the United States are designed for automobiles, leaving pedestrians as an afterthought. Roads may not have sidewalks, marked pedestrian crosswalks, or adequate lighting or signals to allow pedestrians to be seen. Drivers who rarely see pedestrians may not look closely before making a turn, and distractions like smartphones can cause a driver or pedestrian to make a dangerous mistake. The risk to pedestrians is also increasing as Americans buy increasing numbers of large trucks and SUVs, which are more likely to kill or seriously injure a pedestrian than smaller cars.
Pedestrian safety depends on both drivers and people on foot or in wheelchairs knowing and following the rules of the road. Michigan law clearly defines who has the right-of-way in different situations. Here’s what every driver and pedestrian should know before stepping into or driving through a crosswalk.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system provides specific protections for pedestrians who get hurt in motor vehicle crashes. If a vehicle strikes you while you’re walking, you can usually file a claim for benefits under your own no-fault auto policy or that of a family member. If you don’t have an auto policy, you could still qualify for coverage through the vehicle owner’s insurer or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Michigan’s no-fault system focuses on getting injured people the help they need quickly, without waiting for a dispute over who caused the crash. These benefits can help you pay for medical treatment, income losses, and other expenses related to the accident.
However, no-fault benefits do not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic losses. To recover compensation for those losses, you must meet Michigan’s legal threshold for a serious injury, such as permanent disfigurement or long-term impairment, and file a separate third-party claim against the at-fault driver. An experienced attorney can help you understand which benefits apply and whether you have grounds to file a claim for additional compensation.
In the first moments following a pedestrian accident, it’s difficult to think clearly or know what to do next. However, the steps you take right after the crash can make a major difference in your safety and recovery, so it helps to understand how you can protect yourself. Here’s what you can do to take control of the situation and start moving forward:
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a pedestrian, contact the skilled attorneys at Gruel Mills today. We have experience pursuing pedestrian and motor vehicle claims, and we will guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible recovery that will aid you in recovering and rebuilding your life.
To schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your pedestrian accident claim with one of our experienced attorneys, please contact us online or call us. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, which means you do not have to pay for our services unless we recover money for you.
